Looking to replace factory speakers, need suggestions

[t^3]

Ok, so I've been learning a lot about car audio over the past week, and I have some questions. Right now, I have the non-JBL sound system, no stock amp. I'm thinking of upgrading the speakers and perhaps adding an amp to improve the sound quality and clarity. I like bass, but I'd rather spend my money to improve overall sound quality, and I'm also not planning to ever have a sub (don't want to lose any trunk space). Total budget of $300-$500, depending on amount of improvement.

1. For example, I'm looking at the Infinity Kappa 60.5cs to replace the front and dash speakers, and the specs say that the woofer is 90W RMS and the tweeter is 50W RMS. How does the power distribution work? I mean, what prevents the tweeter from blowing if the woofer can get more than 50W? Do the watts add up, and I can use an amp up to 140W?

2. Can I just replace the stock speakers with the component speakers for now without the crossover, and then when I get an amp, hook them up the right way? I know I'll need a bass blocker for the tweeters. I've read about speakers having a minimum RMS, and that if this is too high in connection with the receiver, it won't be good.

3. I've read a lot about dropping the rear speakers and really focusing on the front. I'm willing to spend about $200 on a good component system if it means I won't have to buy rear speakers. Any suggestions? I found a post linking to a CDT CL-62 for $150 at mainstreet-audio.com, and it seems like a good deal.

Then, after installing a component system:

4. Should I actually disconnect the rear speakers, or should I leave them in for bass?

5. Should I move the tweeters next to the woofers in the front door, or leave them in the dash?

6. What is the difference in sound quality improvement by replacing the receiver after adding an amp? I really like the look of the stock receiver, but if a $100-$150 receiver off eBay really does improve things, I might decide to get one.

7. Any brand suggestions for an amp? They all look the same to me, but I know they really aren't. I'll probably won't need any more than 80-100W per channel. I'm willing to spend about $100 for an amp, willing to go eBay for everything.

Many thanks in advance for your advice!

[da_horse]

2. Can I just replace the stock speakers with the component speakers for now without the crossover, and then when I get an amp, hook them up the right way? I know I'll need a bass blocker for the tweeters. I've read about speakers having a minimum RMS, and that if this is too high in connection with the receiver, it won't be good.

you will have to run a crossover no matter what, it just means that you get your existing wire and plug it into where it says amp. it doesnt matter if you are amp'ed or not, you just need the signal to go into the crossover and then connect the relative wires up the relative component.

and yes if the componet requires more then the actual input you have, you will have shitty sounding speakers as they are underpowered. also leads to distortion and death of a speaker in the long run.

3. I've read a lot about dropping the rear speakers and really focusing on the front. I'm willing to spend about $200 on a good component system if it means I won't have to buy rear speakers. Any suggestions? I found a post linking to a CDT CL-62 for $150 at mainstreet-audio.com, and it seems like a good deal.

if you have four stock speakers then leave the rear ones for ambience and just purchase good fronts. its not essential to get good rears. the stock ones should suffice for that ambient sound.

4. Should I actually disconnect the rear speakers, or should I leave them in for bass?
See above

5. Should I move the tweeters next to the woofers in the front door, or leave them in the dash?
Depends on you, and if your willing to make some mods to accomodate the tweeter move. what you can do is do test fittings before u finalise the install and determine which is best. you may find that the tweeter sounds better in the dash, or alternatively better in the doors next to the woofers. also do u have the space to add the tweeters or will you need to do some cutting? its all depends mate

6. What is the difference in sound quality improvement by replacing the receiver after adding an amp? I really like the look of the stock receiver, but if a $100-$150 receiver off eBay really does improve things, I might decide to get one.

you can run and amp off the stock system, it just means that you will need to use the high level inputs instead of rca's. it's not ideal for a SQ or SPL setup but will be better then stock. what you might need to find is a wire to act as a remote turn on.

all the best

[canigetahummer]

american bass, thats what i have in my car and they sound great you can get them for like 200 bucks

[cam2Xrunner]

http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2171

Awesome speakers, actually made by Vifa. I hear alot of good things about them from www.elitecaraudio.com

[t^3]

Thanks da_horse! I never would've thought of that! My Camry already has stock speakers in the dash, just in case you didn't know, so I have 6 speakers right now.

canigetahummer and cam2Xrunner-Thanks for the suggestions. Are there any other good review sites? I always like to get as broad of an opinion as I can. Hopefully I'll be able to pick and order a system within the next week so I can install it during spring break.

I'm still open to more suggestions for a $200 component system, either at eBay prices or discount retail. Are there any brands for amps that I should stay away from, or brands that I should look at? Again, I'm not looking for top of the line stuff, just something that's reliable and maybe around $100.

[t^3]

After looking at component speakers and amps, here's an easy question: If I hook up 4 ohm component speakers to a 2-ch amp, will the amp be at 2 ohms or 4 ohms? Just want to know which RMS power rating I should be looking at.

[bradleyj1279]

if you hook up each speaker to a different channel then the amp will see 4 ohms. Go to
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-...impedance=SVC4
I bought a Profile amp and it performs great and they're not very expensive. I have also bought from crutchfield.com and have nothing to complain about; check them out.

P.S. I have a Panasonic head unit (MXE-CQ5410U), Pioneer speakers (4" and 6"x9"), and Kicker Comp VR's (10") in my '88 pickup, and I love them all!

[darksparkz]

http://www.caraudio.com/
http://forum.sounddomain.com/
http://www.carstereo.com/help2/Articles.cfm

If your current HU is good, stick with it. I would get a nice frontstage component set and a 2-chn amp to power that. Your HU can power the rear speakers, even if you replace them. If you want to add a sub later on, then get a 4-chn amp for now so you can bridge 2-chns for the sub later.